Cowans Gap State Park

Category: State park

Address: 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224, USA

Phone: +17174853948

Reviews

Michael Stackpoole

Jul 19, 2022

What a great state park. We used the organized group camping section which is near camping area A. We went swimming in the lake with clear water and a nice sandy bottom. A few in our group rented some boats. We did the standing stone trail and horseshoe trail from the lakeside trail and up the horseshoe trail which is very steep. The views from the top make it worthwhile. The camping area A bath houses have a nice private shower area but you have to hold the button in about every 7 to 10 seconds to keep the water going, and you cannot control the temperature, it was warm enough to take a shower. The bathroom (no shower) at the organized group camping section was older and in need of updates but was better than some I've seen. As a travel trailer camper as well I noticed going through camping section A at some of the sites had steep entrances and exits off the road which could cause problems for some trailers and motorhomes. We visited the interpretive center. We found some very informative exhibits inside and spoke with George who had great knowledge of the area. While camping there we also use the concessionaire to get ice and found them to be friendly. They where fairly well stocked and might save you a trip to the dollar store which is about the closest place to get forgotten items. We found that AT&t had slightly better service than Verizon across our group while in The group camping area. When Verizon had better service around the beach area parking lot, enough to make a phone call and send a text anyway. The only time we had 4 or 5G service was the top of the ridge on the standing stone trail. All in all a great State Park off the beaten path with enough to do to keep you busy and not worry about cell phone service.

Matt Magill

May 30, 2022

Had a great time in their tent camping area - there was adequate space between each campsite to allow a good amount of privacy. The trails were great, and had some wonderful views.

Emilie Gingras

Nov 13, 2021

Great family campground with extra clean facility. Only down is the lack of wood on-site but if you drive to the gas station in Fort Loudon, in front of the Dollar general, there are wood stacks for sale for 10$each. Biking around the lake …

Radu Zamfirache

Nov 6, 2021

Fabulous place. Just amazing. It it wasn't even a nice weather day..

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Questions & Answers

How much does it cost to get in the park and be able to swim?

Jose Olivo | Nov 20, 2018
Grady Howard | Nov 21, 2018

Free.

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Can you burn wood in the picnic area?

Chris Shuman | Nov 20, 2018
April Butsch | Nov 21, 2018

Yes. There are great picnic accommodations including grills.

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Is metal detecting allowed?

Karen Shoenfelt | Jul 22, 2021
R R | Jul 23, 2021

Yes there is, I have even seen people using under water detectors. Enjoy!!

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Is there room in the parking area for a trailer to haul my kayaks

Scott Livelsberger | Nov 19, 2020
Janice Z | Nov 20, 2020

Yes there is, just arrive early. On nice days it fills up quick

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Is there Verizon signal here?

Weston Zimmerman | Nov 20, 2019
Stan Szambelak | Nov 21, 2019

Don't expect much on VZW. All my alerts and messages only popped up on the main road outside of the park when we went to Dollar General

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Is there a concession stand there?

Paula Haney | Nov 20, 2019
Jonathan Fry | Nov 21, 2019

Yes, but the week we were there is was only open a couple of hours.

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Is cellular service available?

Terry Wells | Nov 19, 2020
Read Before you sign | Nov 20, 2020

Not really 🙃

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Is there a disc golf course nearby if anyone knows?

Sarah Hanson | Aug 21, 2021
Sheylynn Summers | Aug 22, 2021

Altoona, Bedford, Greencastle and Shippensburg i believe would be your closest ones

Popup campers allowed?

Clarina Rodriguez | Nov 19, 2020
Ronald Claros | Nov 20, 2020

Yes - I spotted a few myself as well.

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Can you drive to the top of the mountain or do offer any transportation up to the over look?

Debbie Wolford-Kozenski | Nov 19, 2020
Mike Brown | Nov 20, 2020

Driving to the top is not permitted.

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How do I rent a cabin

Judy Dietrich | Nov 19, 2020
Shirley Stouffer | Nov 20, 2020

As far as a cabin....contact them. They will be happy for the business

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Is the beach open.

Connie Mearkle | Nov 19, 2020
Skye Fisher | Nov 20, 2020

Beach opened june 6th. Trust me. I'm a ranger at cowans gap and was there the day it opened

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Do you have to wear a mask

Emily Boyd | Nov 19, 2020
Bradley B | Nov 20, 2020

Got a call yesterday for a stay I have planned soon. They said masks for inside their buildings and to "try to maintain social distancing".

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What time if check out for campers??

Wayne Decker | Nov 20, 2019
Ken Junedance | Nov 21, 2019

Yep 3 pm

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How much is it to camp

Chantelle I knew it Sorrell | Nov 20, 2019
Melissa Williams | Nov 21, 2019

$30-$35 depending on the site you would like.

Are dogs allowed

Tamer Hanonu | Nov 20, 2019
Maritza Vazquez | Nov 21, 2019

Yes but not on the beach

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Can you bring a golf cart

Marty Smith | Nov 20, 2018
Thomas Witt | Nov 21, 2018

Sure

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Can you rent kayaks?

Jacqueline Coldsmith | Nov 20, 2018
Mark Kenno | Nov 21, 2018

Oadfl er boats canoes row boats only.

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How much is it to go swimming

Stacey Grantham | Jul 22, 2021
John Boyanowski | Jul 23, 2021

It is free to go swimming

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What time can you check in

Logan Herzberg | Jul 22, 2021
Kathy Radtke | Jul 23, 2021

It's posted that check-in is @ 3pm. But you can go ealier, if your site is available

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What boat motors are allowed on the lake and what type of fish are in the lake

Larry E Hoffman | May 23, 2021
420 toke | May 24, 2021

No gasoline motors

Is this more of a "relaxing" state park or are there nearby "attractions"; places to see?

Hambone Mastiff | Feb 22, 2021
Ferguson Yeboah | Feb 23, 2021

It's more of a relaxing place. Families come to the small beach; there is shop open during the summer; many trails to explore; lots of camping sites; outdoor picnic; fishing; bike riding; a playground; public restrooms. The attraction part of it all will be the great view of nature which I absolutely love

Will the park still be open on October 3rd and will there still be picnic tables available

David O'Neill | Nov 19, 2020
Wayne Decker | Nov 20, 2020

Yes..we are camping there that weekend

Wanna rent a spot fer a week how do I go about this??

Devin Sutcliffe | Nov 19, 2020
Nicky Blevins | Nov 20, 2020

Call the 1800# for state parks and let them know its for cowans gap they will hook you right up

What's the cost to camp by tent per night?

Frank Forshey | Nov 19, 2020
Nicky Blevins | Nov 20, 2020

They are all different you have pet friendly and no pets,electric, no electric I know for 2 nights 1 with electric an 1 without electic and no pets came to about $50.00 and i believe with pets its like 2$ more a night

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Are concessions open daily?

Dora Seguin | Nov 19, 2020
Mike Williamson | Nov 20, 2020

been there tues after labor day and everything closed.

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I was wondering if anyone has ever went camping there and how it was for kids and stuff

Levi Walker | Nov 19, 2020
Jon Brady | Nov 20, 2020

Yes, camping is allowed and encouraged. Check the website to reserve tent, RV, or cabin site. Great place to spend some time with the family and/or friends. We've been going with our family for years.

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Are there showers here?

Megz | Nov 19, 2020
Sheree Bowers | Nov 20, 2020

yup

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Is site 153 a dog site?

Bret Henry | Nov 19, 2020
Whitney Worden | Nov 20, 2020

Sites 1-30 are dog sites in campground A but all sites are dog approved in campground B. We stayed at site 193 in campground B, there were a lot of ppl there with dogs.

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Is this state park cure?

Mary Beaty | Nov 19, 2020
Gena | Nov 20, 2020

No it's a state park you can go camping and fishing and boating and swimming

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Are dogs permitted in the beach area?

A Google User | Nov 19, 2020
Joshua Peterson | Nov 20, 2020

Yes

Is cow9 Gap beach open now June 6th 2020.

Lacey Rhodes | Nov 19, 2020
Raymond Weaver | Nov 20, 2020

Yes

Can there be more than 1 tent at a campsite?

Joy Merrick | Nov 19, 2020
Jesus Perez | Nov 20, 2020

2 on site

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How many people dug this lake

McKenna Rosenberry | Nov 20, 2019
Heather Nichols | Nov 21, 2019

This lake was not dug. It was formed by building the dam. The dam was built by the Civilian Conzercation Corps.

Where is the dump station?

Ron Bennett | Nov 20, 2019
Joel Barger | Nov 21, 2019

In the campground about a quarter mile in. Does not have ability to black water flush.

is there Sunday church service @ the Park ?

Glen Drake | Nov 20, 2019
Brian Miller | Nov 21, 2019

Yes at the amphitheater by the lake. Was there last weekend and was a nice service.

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Can you bring your dog to the beach

Jessica Ellis | Nov 20, 2019
Michael Peterson | Nov 21, 2019

Yes, but keep them on the leash and clean up after them

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Is there time restrictions in the fishing areas

Kc Crouse | Nov 20, 2019
Ama ella barrientos | Nov 21, 2019

No Any restrictions in the fishing area it is very nice place.

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How much are rentals of kayaks and paddle boats 2019?

Holly Johnson | Nov 20, 2019
James Avila | Nov 21, 2019

I've only been there once I don't really know I think somewhere around 10-20 not really sure.

Are the pavilion's and grills free to use?

Theresa Gordon | Nov 20, 2019
Betty Belanus | Nov 21, 2019

You need to reserve the pavilions in advance. They have electricity

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Are there hiking trails? Maps of hiking trails? Bike trails? Can you bring your own kayaks?

Mary Harrington | Nov 20, 2019
Matt Vogelsong | Nov 21, 2019

Yes, there are maps at the ranger station. You can bring your own kayaks, but will need a launch permit

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How much is kayak rental?

Nathan Jones | Nov 20, 2019
Danny Biondi | Nov 21, 2019

You would have to call and ask the prices change year to year

Are you going to be open tomorrow

Andrea Ash | Nov 20, 2019
Rachel Cooper | Nov 21, 2019

Yes they are open tomorrow

What time does the beach open?

Brandie Roberts | Nov 20, 2019
Gloria Carter | Nov 21, 2019

They opened May 1st. Open dawn to sunset

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Can one use a small generator for a few hours in the evening or during the day at times in the non electric camp sites

Dennis DeWalt | Nov 20, 2019
Robert Wolff | Nov 21, 2019

I think if you need power get a site with power. People go to have peace and quiet. Nothing is more disturbing than hearing some generator when your there to escape such racket.

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Is the fireplace inside the cabin a wood burning stove or an actual fireplace? Can'ttell with photos

Nicnata | Nov 20, 2019
TURGUT KARA | Nov 21, 2019

It is a wood burning stove

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Are there any winter activitys??

Scott Duppstadt | Nov 20, 2019
Terri Bradshaw | Nov 21, 2019

Polar plunge coming up this minth

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can anyone do metal detecting at Cowan's Gap Park?

John Comerer | Nov 20, 2018
Matt Jones | Nov 21, 2018

It is legal. I've seen people go it on the beach/swimming area for about 30 years! Not sure how lucky you will be. I spent more time up st the beach, during my youth; & it was heavily scanned! I always wondered if they ever found enough to offset the cost of the scanner & batteries?

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Are there showers in the swimming changing rooms???

Rita Ghaner | Nov 20, 2018
Maria Heinb | Nov 21, 2018

Yes. There are.

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Are there showers in swimming changing rooms??

Rita Ghaner | Nov 20, 2018
Ismael Cruz | Nov 21, 2018

Yes.

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Can you have your pets up there?

DeuceThaReal | Nov 20, 2018
Larry Welsh | Nov 21, 2018

Yes

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Is the lake open today?

Alyssa Doris Marie Hann | Nov 20, 2018
Pat Shaulis | Nov 21, 2018

Indeed it is.

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Does anyone know if you can be on the lake after dark on a boat?

Kinser Peck | Nov 20, 2018
Matt Jones | Nov 21, 2018

Absolutely not!

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Are you still closed?

Machion Gaver | Nov 20, 2018
Kim Eyler | Nov 21, 2018

No, they are open.

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How much is the cabins for one night?

Yashilee Fontanez | Nov 20, 2018
Betty Pyles | Nov 21, 2018

It depends on the season. During peak season you have to rent them by the week. They are reasonable off season per night, around 60 I think. If you go to the park web site reservations it tells you the cost and seasons.

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Can you fish here if so, I'm new to the Waynesboro area from NY moved here with wife and kids. Now how do I go about obtaining a fishing license, and what do I need information wise.

VEGA “MBB VEGA” LUCCHIANO | Nov 20, 2018
Linda Rhodamer | Nov 21, 2018

You can get a fishing license at Walmart or any sporting goods store. You will need your drivers license to prove residency. So if you still have your NY license I'd suggest to wait till you get your PA one. It's cheaper of course if you're a PA resident. Welcome to PA !

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Are you open. Someone said you were closed down

Bridget Crouse | Nov 20, 2018
Mark Kenno | Nov 21, 2018

They've been opened since memorial day. Only close beach area we hen water test are bad.

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Are dogs allowed in the park?

Bruce Brown | Nov 20, 2018
Mark Kenno | Nov 21, 2018

Yes they are absolutely.

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Do they allow metal detecting at the beach

Link's Mysteries | Nov 20, 2018
Desaree gress | Nov 21, 2018

Yes

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Do I need a pa fishing licence to fish here

Link's Mysteries | Nov 20, 2018
Mark Kenno | Nov 21, 2018

Yes a launch permit if you have boat to fish from at lake.pa.

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is the swimming area still closed?

Heather Fitzgerald | Nov 20, 2018
Mark Kenno | Nov 21, 2018

No opens .memorial day .

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Are you allowed to have tubes or rafts in the swimming area?

Holly Hippensteel | Nov 20, 2018
Dianne Buckwalter | Nov 21, 2018

Yes I'm pretty sure u can have tubes and rafts :). Enjoy!!

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Can u swim there

Breanna Fitzgerald | Nov 20, 2018
Mark Kenno | Nov 21, 2018

Yes two roped off areas need lunch permit no motor gas can rent row&paddle boat .

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Does it cost to get into park

david stine | Nov 20, 2018
Larry Laird | Nov 21, 2018

No! Pennsylvania State Parks are all free! If boating you need proper boat reg and PFD's. Search the Pa DCNR website.

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How's the fishing there

Barbarie Eastman | Nov 20, 2018
Monte Reeder | Nov 21, 2018

Great we loved it. Meal worms and minnows worked for us.

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How much is it to camp for two nights

amber bowser | Nov 20, 2018
Dave Shilke | Nov 21, 2018

Depends on the type of site you can check online and also book your site online paparks.gov

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When are the camping grounds close for the season

Randall Shoemaker | Nov 20, 2017
Della Selner | Nov 21, 2017

The dcnr website should be able to answer this for you dcnr.pa.gov. each state park closes at a different time some are year round.

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